Crossing proximity and train-on-approach notification system
AssigneeThe Island Radar Company
InventorThomas N. Hilleary
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system includes a base station associated with a railroad crossing having a unique identifier and comprising at least one processor to wirelessly transmit a proximity alert, determine that a train is on approach, and wirelessly transmit a train-on-approach notification. The system further includes a receiver comprising at least one processor to wirelessly receive the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification from the base station and to provide at least one of a visual and audible indication responsive to at least one of the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification.
Claims61
A system for notifying a driver about a proximate railroad crossing, the system comprising:
- a processor-based transmitter associated with the railroad crossing and programmed to wirelessly transmit a crossing proximity alert that is not indicative of an approaching train, recognize that a train is on approach, and wirelessly transmit a train-on-approach notification that is indicative of the approaching train;
- and
- a processor-based receiver programmed to wirelessly receive the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification and to generate at least one of a visual and audible indication in response to at least one of the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification.
A system for notifying a driver about a proximate railroad crossing, the system comprising a processor-based receiver programmed to:
- wirelessly receive a crossing proximity alert encoded in a first message from a transmitter and not indicative of an approaching train;
- wirelessly receive a train-on-approach notification encoded in a second message from the transmitter and indicative of an approaching train;
- display information in response to receiving the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification;
- and
- provide audible information in response to receiving the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification.
A system for notifying a driver about a proximate railroad crossing, the system comprising a processor-based transmitter programmed to:
- receive electrical power from a power supply having at least one of a battery, a solar cell, and a commercial power station;
- wirelessly transmit a 2.4 GHz radio spectrum, a crossing proximity alert that is not indicative of an approaching train;
- receive a first train-on-approach notification from at least one of a railroad crossing relay, a positive train control (PTC) database, a railroad dispatch center, and a PTC transmitter onboard a train-on-approach;
- and
- wirelessly transmit in a 2.4 GHz radio spectrum and in response to receiving the first train-on-approach notification, a second train-on-approach notification indicative of the approaching train.
A system for notifying a driver about a proximate railroad crossing, the system comprising:
- processor-based transmitter programmed to transmit at least one of a first crossing proximity alert and a first train-on-approach notification, wherein the first proximity alert is not indicative of an approaching train and wherein the first train-on-approach notification is indicative of an approaching train;
- and
- a processor-based receiver programmed to receive the at least one of the first proximity alert and the first train-on-approach notification and to generate at least one of a second proximity alert and a second train-on-approach notification.
A method performed by a processor-based receiver for notifying a driver about a proximate railroad crossing, the method comprising:
- entering into a waiting state;
- receiving a crossing proximity alert from a transmitter, wherein the proximity alert is not indicative of an approaching train;
- entering into a proximity state from the waiting state in response to the proximity alert received from the transmitter;
- providing at least one of visual and audible information in response to entering the proximity state;
- receiving, a train-on-approach notification from the transmitter, wherein the train-on-approach notification is indicative of an approaching train;
- entering into a train-on-approach state from the proximity state in response to the train-on-approach notification received from the transmitter;
- and
- providing at least one of visual and audible information in response to entering the train-on-approach state.
A method performed by a processor-based receiver for notifying a driver about a proximate railroad crossing, the method comprising:
- receiving a level of acceleration;
- receiving electrical power in response to the level of acceleration;
- entering into a waiting state;
- receiving a crossing proximity alert from a transmitter, wherein the proximity alert is not indicative of an approaching train;
- entering into a proximity state from the waiting state in response to the proximity alert received from the transmitter;
- outputting at least one of visual and audible information in response to entering into the proximity state;
- receiving an acceleration that is less than the level of acceleration for a predetermined period of time;
- and
- stopping receipt of electrical power from a power supply in response to receiving an acceleration that is less than the level of acceleration for a predetermined period of time.
A method performed by a processor-based system having a transmitter and a receiver for notifying a driver about a proximate railroad crossing, the method comprising:
- wirelessly transmitting from the transmitter, a crossing proximity alert that is not indicative of an approaching train, determining that a train is on approach, and wirelessly transmitting a train-on-approach notification that is indicative of the approaching train;
- and
- wirelessly receiving at the receiver, the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification, and providing at least one of a visual and audible indication in response to at least one of the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.